OWNER JC220

[JC220]

Hi All,

Been busy putting the Kranzle to work around my house – all nicely pressure washed now and looking great! On the car front the fleet have moved around the back of my house which is alot tidier and better for my OCD.

However it is not all good news. My S500 shit the bed big time. Non runner again due to the fecking key fob suddenly not being recognised. I posted all the info so far on the thread below on another (dreaded) forum.

S500 Alarm / Immobiliser issues! Car dead - HELP!

www.benzworld.org

Take a look and let me know if anyone here has suggestions of what I might do or try to get this thing to un-immobilise the engine! I am not expecting much on this subject either it seems people don't know much about these systems and there is no easy way to bypass them either. But I have to ask and try all the same!

For now I have resigned that the dealer is closed (for attempting to order a spare new W140 key to start with – not sure if they are NLA or not in 2020?) and I’ll have to push this gigantic coupe around my house once again – sigh. On a plus note I do have 10 other spare cars I guess but I was very much enjoying the coupe until this happened. Even got new LED lights in my carport

 

[gsxr]

Since this is an LH system... there HAS to be a way around the immobiliser, Joe! DAS didn't show up until ME injection. Probably not much information out there since this was only present on very, very late LH-SFI builds...

EDIT: As discussed below, very late LH systems did indeed have DAS! This *may* not have been present on USA models though. (??)

 

[HansPanzer]

Since this is an LH system... there HAS to be a way around the immobiliser, Joe! DAS didn't show up until ME injection. Probably not much information out there since this was only present on very, very late LH-SFI builds...

Do early W140 and R129 flip keyfobs have immobilizers in them? The keyfobs look the same as the later ones.

 

[JC220]

Since this is an LH system... there HAS to be a way around the immobiliser, Joe! DAS didn't show up until ME injection. Probably not much information out there since this was only present on very, very late LH-SFI builds...

I have a friend who is a recovery agent and automotive locksmith. He is a very smart guy and is brought in my MB and BMW dealers to repair ECU / Key issues with cars and lorries for example.

I sent the info to him and spoke to him about it. He was surprised and impressed Mercedes had this technology way back then! It is DAS2 Aparantly and if I am really beat I can send him a good used replacement key and my black box thing and he can code the key to it manually.

But he suggests installing the good used replacement white box in the trunk first when it gets here next week. He suspects that component doesn't need codes and since it's the only damage I can see that makes sense.

I also added more info to the BW thread (had it locking and unlocking on Star but no immobiliser function. It is just as if the key has died - but I can see It functioning in my phone camera.

I need to find out from MB when they open again if I can buy a new key fob for this coupe. I want a spare key for it anyway so that wont be a waste of £££ if it doesn't solve this problem.

Do early W140 and R129 flip keyfobs have immobilizers in them? The keyfobs look the same as the later ones.

I could be wrong here but these cars have no coils in the ignition tumbler. The information or code held in the key fob is transferred to the car on opening the vehicle and this disables the immobiliser.

Up to mid 1994 approx there was a starter lockout relay which is much easier to defeat but as yet I can find little to no useful information on this particular DAS2 system. Even WIS was painful to look through and gave me everything on ME injected cars but nothing that I could locate myself on this LH system.

As Dave says a bit rare and definitely ahead of it's time.

Failure isn't an option here so lets see how I can resolve this in the coming days / weeks hopefully

 

[gsxr]

Joe, can you find out if this early DAS system relies on the LH module to function? How about just swapping to an older LH module to start with? Or will DAS prevent the starter from engaging, or other hassles, if it's the "wrong" LH?

Also - if there is no transponder ring at the ignition switch, that means there's no chip in the key fob either. So it would have to be somehow related to the IRCL system.

EDIT: The pinouts are different, can't swap LH modules without re-wiring... and the DAS does rely on IRCL data, not a chip+transponder.

 

[JC220]

Joe, can you find out if this early DAS system relies on the LH module to function? How about just swapping to an older LH module to start with? Or will DAS prevent the starter from engaging, or other hassles, if it's the "wrong" LH?

Also - if there is no transponder ring at the ignition switch, that means there's no chip in the key fob either. So it would have to be somehow related to the IRCL system.

Yes I was thinking of getting an earlier 1992 WOT enrichment LH module anyway so I'll try Ebay and see what's available. It might work but then again Mercedes probably factored that in at the time.

I'll try that too and see anyway. What I have spotted also is that vendors selling used w140 keys sell them with the black unit only. Suggesting that is what they are paired to as my auto locksmith suggested earlier today when looking over my photos. (All far too expensive to try out for giggles!)

 

[JC220]

This PDF was added to my BW post and is really good to have! I'll send it to my locksmith / ECU buddy tomorrow also.

 

[JC220]

This is a second doc added - for later model cars. Worth having too - save it somewhere safe!

 

[JC220]

The bit I find most interesting about the PDF in my post #1408 is the suggestion that a resistor plug is used in the CAN bus and needs to be removed if installing a newer ECU and therefore equiping the car with DAS2.

Thus, I wonder if installing an older engine ECU coupled with figuring out a resistor to go back into that CAN plug might over-ride the DAS immobiliser?

 

[gsxr]

Joe, do you have ANY other LH module for M119? From another one of your fleet?

BTW, p/n 129-820-06-26 is MIA in the EPC.

 

[gsxr]

Also check this out. MB jacked with the pinouts so older LH modules will not work, at least not without moving some sockets around in the connector under the module. Still worth a try though:

 

[JC220]

Joe, do you have ANY other LH module for M119? From another one of your fleet?

BTW, p/n 129-820-06-26 is MIA in the EPC.

I do have a spare 5L module for my 1992 500E Dave - worth a try tomorrow?

Also check this out. It's possible MB jacked with the pinouts so older LH modules might not work, at least not without moving some sockets around in the connector under the module. Still worth a try though:

View attachment 102905

View attachment 102906

That is golden information too! Thanks very much for that - it also gives hope of a workaround

 

[JC220]

Joe, do you have ANY other LH module for M119? From another one of your fleet?

BTW, p/n 129-820-06-26 is MIA in the EPC.

I tried another 5.0 LH module Dave and no difference. I havent checked noid light this time or of the car has also cut the igntion coils. (I'll look into that at a later date)

That was just a quick test tonight. I also note that 2x fuses in the trunk and one in the main fuse box relating to the IR / Theift systems are all dead with the igntion off. And come back on when the igntion key is turned to position 2. Quite odd need to read up on the wiring diagrams and see is that normal. Have a couple of good spare key fobs coming too and another black box. May have my auto key dude copy the replacement spare keys to my black box.

But the next main test is to replace the white receiver in the boot when a good used one arrives. My lock guy thinks that might well be the issue with it given the damage seen.

 

[LWB250]

Isn't the "white box" a convenience module? I believe they were in W140s.

Dan

 

[JC220]

Isn't the "white box" a convenience module? I believe they were in W140s.

Dan

In terms of convenience modules there is a large black box in the trunk which serves that function (To the best of my knowledge anyway!) Not alot of info out there

This white Becker box is described everywhere (using part number on google) as Mercedes 1408206626 ECU Anti Theft Module

 

[LWB250]

In terms of convenience modules there is a large black box in the trunk which serves that function (To the best of my knowledge anyway!) Not alot of info out there

This white Becker box is described everywhere (using part number on google) as Mercedes 1408206626 ECU Anti Theft Module

Understood. I'm working from memory, which can be a very dangerous thing...

Dan

 

[JC220]

Understood. I'm working from memory, which can be a very dangerous thing...

Dan

I'm trying to understand it all myself too! Have spent many, many hours researching these systems. I have a fair understanding of how they work and hope to have a plan moving forward. I'll create a better post later today and post here + BW thread.

Basically I do not believe my Key Fob is at fault thus a new key from the dealer isn't an answer here. The sudden ignoring of the key fob is an issue with the coupe itself.

My hopes are currently pinned on this white box replacement but after that I have other plans if need be which I will share all later

 

[GRAEME JOHNSON]

I bought a new key (A140 760 2006 ) from a UK main dealer in Febuary 2017 it was £206 with the vat
and that was after discount so be sure you need one !
Graeme Johnson

 

[JC220]

I did post more info a couple days ago on the BW thread. I eventually just found a wiring diagram that sheds some light on this system - appears only on the 1997 year diagrams which is why I couldnt find it right away as I was looking at 1995 diagrams since my coupe was delivered April 1995. (Again, it seems to be a very early car to have this system!)

See attached.

The White box in the trunk is the "Remote Control Locking Control Module" Notice how the IR receivers are routed through this unit? The fact that mine is blown my well explain why my coupe can't see it's own Fob anymore. Which is what my locksmith said when I sent him photos of it - that it was likely a receiver / relay unit for the fob signal and it should be OK after that. Fingers crossed big time!! Awaiting it to arrive in the post then I'll see what it does and report back.

With the dash somewhat apart to get at that black immob box it is an upportune time to get my auto locksmith to programme another (good used) spare w140 fob and cut a new blank key so I have a spare key for it going forward. But first I'll try to get it up and running then bring him the stuff and hopefully come out of this debacle with all working AND a spare key to boot.

This way I can get a spare key cut and programmed just like a dealer key for a fraction of the cost and don't need to wait on them re-opening post Covid or bring my coupe to them for security etc. (If it remains dead that is a circa 60 miles round trip tow bill on top)

 

[gsxr]

Joe, a 1997 S500 will have ME injection and possibly other differences. Be careful with that diagram, it might not match your car.

See attached PDF with more info, the chart on PDF page 14 seems to indicate your coupe likely has DAS 2, which is detailed on PDF pages 30-34. It says you should see flashing red/green lights on the rear view mirror, does your car have this? If not, you may not have DAS 2. Looks like if old enough, the car might have DAS 1a.

 

[JC220]

Joe, a 1997 S500 will have ME injection and possibly other differences. Be careful with that diagram, it might not match your car.

See attached PDF with more info, the chart on PDF page 14 seems to indicate your coupe likely has DAS 2, which is detailed on PDF pages 30-34. It says you should see flashing red/green lights on the rear view mirror, does your car have this? If not, you may not have DAS 2. Looks like if old enough, the car might have DAS 1a.

That is a fantastic document thanks for that Dave I shall read over it quite a bit over the next few days

And yes you are correct of course the ME injection will be different. It was simply a diagram to show me the principles of the Remote control locking module and the IR DAS module. Nothing more than that for now. This should be a hardware issue - or software but not require me to mess with any wiring at all.

Yes my system is DAS/2 in this Coupe. I know that much for sure at this stage. I have alot of info gathered up on this subject and what my locksmith sent too. I will share all of that as this progresses and I get it resolved hopefully.

Also information for how people can legally and properly code keys fobs for their ageing benzes without relying on the stealer or if they go NLA for good. (That is - what services and info are required for a local locksmith with the correct coding stuff)

 

[JC220]

OK it is page 29 which describes my coupe system perfectly with the one exception that the sensor is in the doors and not in the rear view mirror if I recall correctly. (Too many 140s here!)

That doc is a great help Dave. It does flag up that If this white box in the trunk is the N54 module then it would require replacing to VIN also I did have a backup plan there whereby I have 2X replacement matching part number white modules coming. And new capacitors.

So it looks like I'll have to carefully de solder the damaged parts from my original N54, take the parts from one good donor module and try that.

The issue is my locksmith has never worked with the N54 in trunk before. (If that's what it is!) Thus he could readily take care of the key and black immob but not any programming of this white module.

I also cant see that module in Star but that makes sense since your PDF states that if the car is locked it stops access to it. I got worse case scenario here whereby it crapped itself whilst locked.

Srill digesting all of this but the focus is on that blown part.

EDIT, sorry guys a google shows N54 is the black box - Phew!! I'll keep digesting all of this and compiling all information and share it when I have it figured out properly. White box might still also have codes and require repairing.

 

[JC220]

What you will see here is the exact chip in your fob which requires coding to this black immobiliser module. (Black box factory paired to VIN. Engine ECU requires virginising if this part is ever changed) That red highlight chip is what an automotive locksmith will work at and clone FWIW

 

[gsxr]

Joe, per the troubleshooting info in the document, what is the status on your red/green lights in the mirror when you try to crank/start the engine?

If DAS is not "unlocking" the ECU, when you try to start the engine those lights should go crazy.

 

[a777fan]

Wow Joe. What a nightmare. I’ve always somewhat lusted after a late model 140, but this might have cured me!

 

[LWB250]

Wow Joe. What a nightmare. I’ve always somewhat lusted after a late model 140, but this might have cured me!

I've owned several, and they're actually very nice cars and pretty easy to maintain despite all of the appurtenances they possess. I was afraid of them years ago and bought into the myth that their complexity made them near impossible to maintain and repair. Just not true. Joe's situation is an outlier.

They're wonderful cars and a real pleasure to drive. I loved every one I owned.

Dan

 

[JC220]

Joe, per the troubleshooting info in the document, what is the status on your red/green lights in the mirror when you try to crank/start the engine?

If DAS is not "unlocking" the ECU, when you try to start the engine those lights should go crazy.

Hi Dave,

Yes what is happening is this in a nutshell:

• Key Fob appears fully operational. (Can see IR signal with camera and the Red LED too) Key was not dropped or damaged in any way.
• Car totally Ignores Key Fob - Nada response.
• Car was last locked when this suddenly happened overnight.
• Battery was down on charge and damaged was noted on the mystery module in the boot. (More below)
• Mechanical Key does open the door but central locking does not respond. (This is normal behaviour in DAS 2)
• Red & Green Mirror LEDS flash alternately when trying to start engine.
• Engine turns on starter motor but makes no attempt at all to fire up.
• When using Star I can manually actuate the locking system & LEDS these all function fine. I can also see the engine does NOT have start authorisation.
• ALL Fuses throughout the car have been checked and cleaned - no issues there.

Observations / what I have learned-

• My 04/1995 production coupe has earlier LH injection system.
• Starting with the Key Fob - It normally sends an IR signal do the door handle(s) in my coupe not rear view mirror.
• Wiring diagrams suggest all IR receivers go to the white module in the trunk. This is the part I have found damage inside of. I can find no other information on this white relay box in any of the detailed MB docs relating to the DAS 2 system. It's as if it didn't exist in later models and mine is one of very few? No idea yet requires much more investigation and repair. My locksmith thinks this thing is a receiver / relay unit only and may not require coding.
• My coupe has a black immobiliser box under left side of dashboard. This is factory fitted system and IS coded to the car VIN and Engine ECU. This part cannot readily be swapped out nor can the engine ECU (unless Engine ECU is virginised)
• My locksmith has special tooling and software - he can take another good used key fob, my Black Immob box and produce another spare key for me.
• Using just the spare key even if I somehow defeat the immobiliser is not ideal either since the central locking will not be functional and where do you draw the line in R&R VS repairing the OE system.

THIS IS MY UNDERSTANDING TO DATE AND IS CONSTANTLY CHANGING

Million Dollar Questions:

1. Will Julia Immobiliser defeat work with an LH ECU and will a novice like me be able to code same for starters. (Also don't want to lose central locking function anyway)
2. What to heck is this white module in the trunk and does it require Chassis Coding. (Rolling codes pertain between the Black box and Engine ECU - not this I hope but do not yet know)
3. Where I went wrong in life that I have so many cars and car related problems

 

[gsxr]

Joe... can you post the part number of the LH module in this car? I am not sure if the LH module actually "locks" to a VIN, like the later ME ECU does. Or if the LH module needs to be "virginized", if changing to a different LH of the same p/n. Not sure how to test this unless the car was running, and you could swap LH modules (same p/n) as a test.

I have a feeling you could re-wire the LH connectors to allow using an older LH module, however while this would (in theory) let the engine start & run, it would not fix the central locking.

 

[JC220]

Joe... can you post the part number of the LH module in this car? I am not sure if the LH module actually "locks" to a VIN, like the later ME ECU does. Or if the LH module needs to be "virginized", if changing to a different LH of the same p/n. Not sure how to test this unless the car was running, and you could swap LH modules (same p/n) as a test.

I have a feeling you could re-wire the LH connectors to allow using an older LH module, however while this would (in theory) let the engine start & run, it would not fix the central locking.

The other BW thread has more info Dave - this is the LH ECU





What I mean to say is for sure this LH ECU is communicating with the Black Immob Box behind the Dash and requiring the correct rolling code via PWM /CAN signal to enable running of the engine.

For clarity this photo below is the black N54 immobiliser box behind the dash on left side in my coupe which for sure is chassis specific,



(To recap, the N54 and keys are of course chassis specific. The LH ECU when newly installed at factory will work with any N54 however, after 40 starts the LH Module is then "married" to the N54 permanently and both are stuck with the car. As MB docs state, you cannot swap in another N54 or engine ECU for testing. However, if the engine ECU was virginised by a locksmith then essentially it would then work with another N54. Hope this makes sense!) My coupe is definitely a slut

 

[gsxr]

Joe, I assume you meant the 018- LH module is original, and the car doesn't start or run with the 014- module (first photo). AFAIK, no USA modules had the DAS system, but I may be wrong on that. (??)

I understand what you are saying, but I was not aware that any version of LH-SFI had the locking function after 40 starts. I thought this began with ME 1.0 injection. Again - I have no direct experience so I'm not sure.

Due to the pinout change, the module cannot be swapped directly - however if you change which wires plug into the sockets, I still think you could make the engine run with an early LH module. But your central locking would still be DOA.

 

[JC220]

Joe, I assume you meant the 018- LH module is original, and the car doesn't start or run with the 014- module (first photo). AFAIK, no USA modules had the DAS system, but I may be wrong on that. (??)

I understand what you are saying, but I was not aware that any version of LH-SFI had the locking function after 40 starts. I thought this began with ME 1.0 injection. Again - I have no direct experience so I'm not sure.

Due to the pinout change, the module cannot be swapped directly - however if you change which wires plug into the sockets, I still think you could make the engine run with an early LH module. But your central locking would still be DOA.

Oops sorry dave posting from my phone at the moment I'll update correct photos later.

Yes that's true on the earlier ECU retrofit. And as you say the major drawback is losing function of both remote locking, security of immobiliser and the central locking system. Too many trade offs for me!

The presence of the N54 suggests strongly that unfortunately for me this LH ECU does have fuel shutoff. And again there is little to no information available on my early setup to give assurances

 

[JC220]

You know what- tonight when I get home I am going to open and explore this Coupes LH module. Let's see what's inside and if a weird chip can be spotted. Or try a spare 5L stock EPROM chip inside it....

 

[JC220]

Internals of a 1992 LH ECU



(Didn't know it had a Superchip in it!) This is a Yuro spare for my yuro 500E. The stuff of rocking horse squeezings

 

[JC220]

And the Coupe's late LH ECU:





Notice the difference!! Yep 8 leg Immob chip in there. This is absolute evidence that this is factory setup and late LH systems did have a DAS2 immob setup.

Had a long chat with my locksmith. He doesn't like emulators and that's only a last resort.

After 1 hour of talking he is super knowledgeable on MBs and will have several plans of attack for me if the white box in boot doesn't get it running.

Learned alot of stuff and again, I am compiling this info and will share it at a later date to assist others.

 

[gsxr]

Fantastic info, Joe! That does seem to confirm the superlate LH really does have extra stuff for DAS2.

I may have missed it earlier, but can you buy a replacement for the faulty item in your car, from the dealer? Or is that box either NLA or stupid expensive?

 

[JC220]

I may have missed it earlier, but can you buy a replacement for the faulty item in your car, from the dealer? Or is that box either NLA or stupid expensive?

Our MB dealers are still shut here Dave due to Covid so I do not know yet! But more than likely yes it would be silly expensive and / or might require the car to be at the dealer since its key /theft related which would require a 2 way tow bil on top.

I'll put the ECU back in and install the good useful white trunk box when it turns up in the post and see what happens. It should work.... then it's a matter of wanting a spare key made anyway.

 

[Kyiv]

Don't UK's credit cards, like MasterCard world elite or visa signature come with tow perks, like they do in US? You could use one card to tow the car to, and another from the dealer.

Your current development is like an episode of "Air crash investigators". Fun read

 

[JC220]

Don't UK's credit cards, like MasterCard world elite or visa signature come with tow perks, like they do in US? You could use one card to tow the car to, and another from the dealer.

Your current development is like an episode of "Air crash investigators". Fun read

I don't have any free tows unfortunately And these big coupes are not easy to move. Risk of damage by winch cables and loading etc. The huge doors typically hit mudgaurds too and the width wont fit on some trailers here.

So where possible they are best moved under it's own power! This coupe prefers to be dead it appears what a run of luck its had eh! Only on road after a decade and does this. Anyway it's good to learn these systems right? That's what I keep telling myself whilst headed to get a rag and high octane for it

 

[Kyiv]

Joe, I've no doubt you'll master this issue

 

[JC220]

Today i received the replacement used white module in the boot. No difference.

I also had a spare key and black immob unit (N54). Took all to my locksmith and just back home with the LH ECU virginised and the key matched to the replacement immobiliser.

Note that the virgin module will not marry to the black N54 immob box until after 40 starts. So I can in one swoop rule out the main brain of this IR system and the key! And if it doesn't make any difference no harm done. I'll zip tie this key to the spare N54 and keep it in my hoard if it doesn't cure this current coupe issue.

Fingers crossed though something changes tomorrow!

 

[TerryA]

Today i received the replacement used white module in the boot. No difference.

I also had a spare key and black immob unit (N54). Took all to my locksmith and just back home with the LH ECU virginised and the key matched to the replacement immobiliser.

Note that the virgin module will not marry to the black N54 immob box until after 40 starts. So I can in one swoop rule out the main brain of this IR system and the key! And if it doesn't make any difference no harm done. I'll zip tie this key to the spare N54 and keep it in my hoard if it doesn't cure this current coupe issue.

Fingers crossed though something changes tomorrow!

View attachment 103512

Wow, that's gotta be really disappointing I know you had high hopes for this part. I have been lost from the start of this thread. My electrical skills are limited to plugging in a table lamp or a radio. I admire the fact that you are even willing to tackle this problem. I sure hope you find it soon.

With all the work you have done on the car, like bringing it back from the dead. I hope for your sake this turns out just to be a hiccup.

Keep after it Joe

 

[JC220]

Wow, that's gotta be really disappointing I know you had high hopes for this part. I have been lost from the start of this thread. My electrical skills are limited to plugging in a table lamp or a radio. I admire the fact that you are even willing to tackle this problem. I sure hope you find it soon.

With all the work you have done on the car, like bringing it back from the dead. I hope for your sake this turns out just to be a hiccup.

Keep after it Joe

Thanks Terry! Whatever it is I'll find it eventually hopefully...

And yes you guessed it folks the Fob and N54 module made no difference!! That's just a nice spare now and not the actual issue. Such a sh/te fault to try and find when the car gives no feedback. I'll take a mechanical failure any day over this!

Anyway I want to try the rear view mirror next. I believe the IR receiver is actually in that unit and since it cant see the key fob that makes me interested to check it. Lucky for me I dont have to buy one for this test.(one or two on ebay wrong colour and £££) I will borrow the good working unit from my S320 and test it in the coupe tomorrow. And a bonus is I can also test the coupes mirror in the S320 for good measure. See - this is why having too many benzes can be great at times

 

[JC220]

Mirror didnt change anything either. I probed the plug with a multimeter and can't find battery voltage with ignition off. I find that a little interesting.... more work required of course. But not today ill pick away at it during the week. REALLY REALLY need to find a f*cking wiring diagram for the god forsaken system in this coupe. That is the single biggest issue here.

 

[JC220]

Page 11 of the attached doc is what my coupe has. I'd sure love to find a wiring diagram that shows the N54 Black box, the A26/7 Rear view mirror with IR receiver and the fuses for this in a 1995 build 140 chassis.

I notice fuse 2 in the boot is powering the alarm LED lights when the igntion is on. I wonder is there a power drop or issue somewhere else in the system which is supposed to have power all the time. Like the rearview mirror which doesnt show battey voltage - wouldnt it need that to function?

This has disapointed me somewhat and admittedly I'm not going after it as much as I normally would. Where the coupe sits is hard to work at it especially when not running and I have other house DIY projects getting done at the moment so I'm just half arsed going to the coupe for a small bit every other day.

Next throught is simply to see if I can get the rear fuse box in the trunk out without disturbing or losing track of wiring and put it in my ultrasonic cleaner with corrosion removal solution and make sure any screws are all tight. The way I see it that is the most "exposed" fuse box in the car and I can see small traces of mould on the plastic housing.

A wiring diagram is cruical though if anyone can help at all. I am not good with WIS never used it much but i'll try again later on one of my old laptops.

EDIT: Hmmm I just loosened the rear fuse box to look behind it and now the alarm is not doing the crazy LED thing. Still didnt re-install the virgin Engine ECU and don't want to until I have the central locking working properly.

Still no response to the KEY fob though.

In any case that is not normal behaviour for a fuse box with all new blade fuses in it. Therefore I have bought a nice clean looking used one with matching part number on ebay and I will carefully swap wires over one by one to it when it gets here in a week or so. That for sure needs ruled out too! In the meantime i'll keep hunting for a wiring diagram reflecting my system.

 

[JC220]

On a more positive note I have all 4x wheels back from the painter and they look fantastic!



Yes it's a minor detail that the coupe may be dead but it will make for a good looking corpse


I will use the S320 as a cadaver for a test bench next week. Something I didnt want to do but needs must. I will give the time to diagnose the coupe within the week all being well, need to move onto the w220 restos but I won't until the green goddess is driving again. Besides its hemming in my 500E and other cars where it sits

 

[LWB250]

On a more positive note I have all 4x wheels back from the painter and they look fantastic!

View attachment 103690

Those look really nice. I've got a set for my 420E stacked in the garage waiting to be refinished. I like them a lot better after seeing yours. Gives me a far better idea of what they'll look like when they're refinished.

Dan

 

[JC220]

Those look really nice. I've got a set for my 420E stacked in the garage waiting to be refinished. I like them a lot better after seeing yours. Gives me a far better idea of what they'll look like when they're refinished.

Dan

I'll get better pics tomorrow! They are the best wheels for a 140

 

[JC220]

I got somewhere with the coupe. Swapped over the working S320 N54 and Key fob into the coupe and low and behold now it does lock and unlock by key fob! So somehow both the original N54 in the coupe and the Ebay one I bought are faulty! (And or the key fob(s) my locksmith will investigate further)

But its not all good news. The virginised ECU wont start up even though the coupe IS now unlocking by IR. Havent hooked up Star but I bet it needs the ECU virginising looking at again. Ah well - some major progress knowing that it is solely within the black N54 box and / or key that requires replacing and the ECU will get figured out.

He saved the LH status before we did anything. Locksmith wants to create a replacement key for the S500's original N54 and that would allow the engine to start if it was my key fob at fault.

Such a session! But again, progress is finally being made and it will get sorted after some more faffing around.

 

[TerryA]

Joe,

Is it to costly to get a new N54 and key set from Mercedes?

OR just a PITA to do so.

I imagine you would have to take the 500 Coupe to the Dealership. That would surely be a PITA

 

[JC220]

Joe,

Is it to costly to get a new N54 and key set from Mercedes?

OR just a PITA to do so.

I imagine you would have to take the 500 Coupe to the Dealership. That would surely be a PITA

Yes that's exactly it Terry. It would need towing there and they are closed due to Covid here too.

It could just be the key at this moment and time I need more testing done to see if it was my N54 at fault or the Key. Going to locksmith tonight again with bits from the S500.

The dealer issue is also cost. I'm quite sure it would be about £600+ for one key and N54. Also the dealer N54 may require a new engine ECU too!!!

Whereas this way I'm doing it will generate as many keys as I want for about £40 each no towing required.

EDIT See below (Was told the N54 locally is £700GBP list on it's own and is NOT available to order)